Weight Loss Wednesday: Kindsight

I hate losing weight for the third time. But I love looking back at what both Rachel and I have achieved in the past. It helps me remember that it really is possible. I love ALL of our Weight Loss Wednesday posts! I chose this one for the quote. I think we could ALL stand to be a little kinder to ourselves! – Maggie

“View your life from kindsight instead of hindsight. Stop beating yourself up about things from the past. Instead of slapping your forehead and asking, ‘What was I thinking?’…breathe and ask yourself the kinder question: ‘What was I learning?’

-Jean Nidetch

Many/most/all(?) of us that have struggled with weight are pretty familiar with the guilt cycle.

“Ugh, I can’t believe I ate that! Well I blew it, might as well blow it some more.”

Eats a few extra chocolate chip cookies

“Aw man, I really should have skipped the fries. I’m never going to lose any weight.”

Need comfort food so orders a milkshake too

Guilt, food, more guilt, more food. And so on and so forth.

When I look at it on paper, I notice the big problem is some serious negative self talk. This is something I have a problem with even when it’s NOT weight related. I love things that are inspirational and positive and make me feel good. Honestly good with no side order of guilt.

It takes some practice to be positive when you are used to being negative with yourself. You’ve sort of got to let go and be kind to yourself. My favorite song (currently) says “You’ve gotta look yourself in the eye and say ‘I am wonderful.’” One day that sort of hit me so I stood in front of my bathroom mirror, looked into my own eyes and said “I am wonderful.” It was a weird feeling but also somewhat liberating. Guess what? It’s okay to think well of yourself. It’s okay to believe you can do it. And for goodness sake be happy with who you are and what you’ve got.

So what did I learn this week? I learned it does wonders to have a plan. Any plan rather than no plan at all. I learned that exercise feels great. I learned (or rather re-learned) about listening to what my body is telling me. AND…I also learned what to do about perpetual bloating. Yeah.

It was worth it y’all because I finally had a loss. 1.6 pounds. I really want to keep it up – or should I say down – now!